One man down for over an hour and the Highlanders almost pulled off the unthinkable, the Sharks clinging on to a one‑point win in Dunedin.
The Sharks ended a three‑match losing streak when they beat defending Super Rugby champions the Highlanders 15‑14 last night.
The home side were reduced to 14 men in the 12th minute after inside centre Jason Emery saw red for an aerial challenge on Willie Le Roux.
The Highlanders could well have snatched the win, but Lima Sopoaga missed what would have been a match‑winning drop‑goal at the death.
In another match the Rebels thrashed the Cheetahs 36-14 last night.
Meanwhile the Sunwolves play the Jaguares at 5.15 this afternoon, Hurricanes host the Chiefs at 7.35pm while the Force meet the Waratahs at 9.40 tonight.
